Diving into the Background of Iowa Hawkeyes Forward Hannah Stuelke: Exploring the Influence of Mario Davis and JoAnna Stuelke Mantz

Iowa Hawkeyes’ dependable forward, Hannah Stuelke, has garnered attention for her swift maneuvers and basketball prowess on the court.

Recognized as the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year, Stuelke boasts impressive statistics, averaging 14.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in her junior year. With 28 starts in 31 games, her contributions to Iowa’s lineup are undeniable.

While Stuelke’s dedication and hard work have undoubtedly shaped her basketball skills, her parents, Mario Davis and JoAnna Stuelke Mantz, also play a significant role in her journey.

Mario Davis, hailing from Antigua and Barbuda, initially honed his basketball talents at the Princess Margaret Secondary School before pursuing his athletic career in the United States. He represented Missouri Western State University’s Griffons, a Division II program competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

Meanwhile, JoAnna Stuelke Mantz, Stuelke’s mother, showcased her basketball prowess at Illinois State before crossing paths with Davis at Missouri Western.

Following Stuelke’s birth, her parents parted ways, with Davis returning to Antigua and Barbuda while Stuelke remained with her mother. Eventually, JoAnna remarried Michael Mantz in 2005.

It was Mario Davis who introduced Stuelke to the world of basketball, drawing from his own experiences as a forward for Antigua and Barbuda’s national basketball team until 2018.

Mario Davis continued his basketball journey in the Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association, playing for the F&G Trading Cuties Ovals Ojays until 2023. In his final season, he maintained an impressive average of 14.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Expressing his pride in his daughter, Davis often shares his thoughts on her performances on his Instagram account. JoAnna Mantz, Hannah’s mother, shares in this pride and can be seen cheering her daughter on alongside her husband.

Since her time playing AAU basketball as a sophomore, the Stuelke-Mantz family has been dedicated to supporting Hannah, traveling together to attend her away games across the country. Michael, Hannah’s step-father, emphasized the family’s enjoyment of these experiences, highlighting their commitment to attending games together.

During the second-round game against West Virginia, Stuelke showcased her skills with 12 points and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly to Iowa’s 64-54 victory. Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes are set to face off against the Colorado Buffaloes in their upcoming game on Friday.